METRA Install Kit for NC

Radio Panel Install Kit to replace stock radio with one Double DIN or 2 Single DIN radios

Installed it matches factory look very well. Fit is excellent and I'm very pleased with the result

Purchase off E-Bay for $19.95 + $9 shipping. Had radio system professionally installed and provided this Kit as installer was unaware of retro kits availability initially. Results turned out excellent. There is a slight ridge built into the face that does not exist on the orginal factory unit, but installed it looks like it was supposed to be there from the beginning. Heat/AC knobs all line up. This is a solution to those unhappy with the poor quality standard radio used in the NC

Original install kit I received from Crutchfield was simple to use
but ugly! Also, anyone with DIN removal tools could snatch it out of the car in 30
seconds! I wanted to install my new Blaupunkt flush with the dash like the factory unit.
Found the Metra kit online and decided to give it a try since it had a pocket. Turns out
this is the kit Crutchfeild used to use. I can see why they stopped. For the uninitiated,
this kit is a headache even though it claims minimal cutting and modification. Remember
this is a UNIVERSAL kit for all Mazdas. You're gonna have to do some major adapting to get
it looking right, but it can be done with a little patience. (Those old model building
skills came in handy!)

I spent an afternoon with a file, drill, and sabre saw to get the
kit to mount flush, but I was able to reuse the FACTORY pocket and mount the stereo flush
with the dash. I think the kit is much more theft resistant to boot (but I don't wish to
test the claim) since the whole unit now installs in the same fashion as the factory unit
(four screws under the dash). I recommend this kit to someone who is willing to put some
effort into getting a good looking install. FYI, if you buy your stereo from Crutchfield,
the instructions for installing this kit are included and are somewhat helpful.